Political science student Anni Taavila
A mentee should be proactive, confidently pick up the phone, and show respect for their mentor.
Anni is studying political science in the Faculty of Social Sciences. She has actively sought internships in her field; one summer, for instance, she spent working at Traficom. Anni has also interned at the university's Career Services, where she recalls finding mentors for students before deciding to join the program herself. She participated in the mentoring program last spring and has shared her experiences with other students in her major, inspiring them to apply as well.
"I definitely joined because of Rekry (the Career Services)," Anni recalls. During the application process, she stated her interest in expert roles related to sustainable development and responsibility. This led her to hesitate momentarily when she received an email notifying her that her mentor would be a communications manager. Since Anni wasn’t interested in communications as a career path, she felt initial doubts about the mentor and the program's suitability. However, it soon became clear that her mentor’s role in communications was closely related to themes of responsibility, which dispelled her reservations. Anni had applied to the program because she was looking for guidance, networking opportunities, and a professional sounding board.
Their meetings were not scheduled in advance but were planned based on how both her and the mentor felt. According to Anni, the mentoring relationship flowed smoothly, but she emphasizes that the program requires initiative and active engagement from the student. Respect for the mentor's time is also something Anni wants to highlight. "I started an internship in late spring, and mentoring paused amid the busyness," she explains. Time management was challenging, and both of them were busy. Looking back on her actions and communication with her mentor, Anni is grateful that her mentor was willing to continue the mentoring relationship even after the official program ended. After a few months of silence, Anni met her mentor again, and they picked up right where they had left off.
She feels that she gained tremendous encouragement from her mentor in many areas of life. Her confidence in her own work and in forging her own path grew significantly, and she feels she benefited greatly from the mentoring program. The program expands one’s thinking, offers new perspectives, and helps students recognize their strengths. Anni also has clear tips for future mentees:
- communication: be open and honest
- communication: express what you want and set your goals
- communication: share your schedule and take the initiative to suggest meeting times